Robert Hawkins

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to take the opportunity to recognize a friend of mine, Richard Archer, upstairs. Thank you very much.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I’d like to thank the Minister as well. Mr. Speaker, what I am trying to describe here is we have a signed contract where students are supposed to receive 10 payments, but they are receiving nine. They are officially being cut off, and it has been put into writing because technically they are one day short of attendance into the June month period. So they are attending five days, whereas they need to be attending six days to receive any money. So that was the reason they are being cut off from any future payments. Would the Minister commit today to...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in my Member’s statement I spoke about the NWT student loan agreement that was cut off on short notice. The students that sign these contracts are in real need of financial support, and they count on the money that they are promised by the government. Mr. Speaker, my question is to the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment. In what circumstances does he consider it appropriate for his department to change the amount of a student loan agreement, a signed contract, without the student’s knowledge or consent? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, earlier this week my honourable colleague, Mrs. Jane Groenewegen, spoke about the government’s responsibility to make clients aware of important program rules and criteria changes on a timely basis. It has come to my attention that this is not happening in some cases with the student financial assistance program and that is causing unfair hardship. In one particular case, I am aware that a student has signed a loan, a contract, Mr. Speaker, for 10 monthly instalments of $1,100 to help fund her education. Unfortunately, she has learned two months before the...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you for the willingness, Mr. Minister, I can hear in your voice to address this matter. Mr. Speaker, I guess lastly, does the Minister consider it serious that a signed contract is broken? Does the Minister take that very seriously? Thank you very much.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, can the Minister tell me what efforts his department takes to warn students that the amount of their loans may be reduced later on in the year, and what do they do to notify students on a timely basis that their loan amounts may be addressed? What notice do they provide if any? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to table the agreement made between the Government of the Northwest Territories and the municipal corporation also know as the City of Yellowknife. It’s an agreement made with regard to lifeguard services. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, would the Minister be willing to tell us some of the hurdles that we are receiving, so, therefore, essentially are causing the problems for implementation and be specific as to proposed timelines? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, following the line of other Members with regard to conduct to one of the Members here in the assembly, my question will be directed towards the Premier and it’s in reference to Mr. Zoe. I will not be questioning his quality of work and dedication because we know it’s there to a high standard. Yet, we have concern with regard to the moral perception to some of the issues that have transpired. Mr. Speaker, as you very well know, like everyone here, that as leaders of this House, sometimes we are seen as role models, sometimes we are seen as heroes, sometimes...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Due to the complexity of the last answer, it forces me to ask again for reassurance on the Minister’s commitment. Due to the fact that we have a historical commitment on an open contract, as I read it, which I will further table today, I would like absolute commitment, so I can feel confident today that this Minister will deal with this historical problem and ensure that we have safety at this territorial park beach. I used to lifeguard at this beach and I am sorry I have to say here today that I can even recall the honourable Minister frolicking on that beach under...